Homemade Paints


Scratch and Sniff Paint Mix: 1 package of flavored drink mix (Kool-aid) with water, about 1 or 2 tablespoons. When the paint dries, scratch and sniff your art!

Kool-Aid Finger Paint Mix: 2 cups flour, 2 packs unsweetened flavored drink mix, 1/2 cup salt, 3 cups boiling water, and 3 tablespoons of oil. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Kids love the color change. Then finger paint away!

Jello Finger Paint Mix: Mix any kind of flavored Jello with enough boiling water to make it a gooey consistency.

Glossy Finger Paint: Combine corn syrup with drops of food coloring until you reach the consistency of paint. Mix well. Let your child use his fingers or a paintbrush to make wonderfully shiny masterpieces! Note: Pictures may take several days to dry.


Neat Freak Ideas: Make several colors using muffin tins or egg cartons. Empty fruit, yogurt, and pudding cups make simple containers for storing and using paint. Cover with foil or plastic wrap when finished.

Metal cookie sheets or plastic serving trays make ideal art stations so all art materials can be carried easily to the table or sink without spilling.

Clean up becomes quicker when using a large vinyl placemat to create a safe surface to paint on while protecting the rest of the table from being painted on. Always have wet and dry paper towels handy for unexpected messes. An old dish towel comes in handy too!